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Lecture 03

The lecture discusses the mechanism of current flow in a forward biased pn junction, where free electrons from the negative terminal move into the n-region and combine with holes to create valence electrons in the p-region. It also covers the volt-ampere characteristics of the pn junction under zero external voltage, forward bias, and reverse bias, highlighting the behavior of current in each scenario. Key terms such as breakdown voltage and knee voltage are defined, emphasizing their significance in the operation of pn junctions.

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9 views

Lecture 03

The lecture discusses the mechanism of current flow in a forward biased pn junction, where free electrons from the negative terminal move into the n-region and combine with holes to create valence electrons in the p-region. It also covers the volt-ampere characteristics of the pn junction under zero external voltage, forward bias, and reverse bias, highlighting the behavior of current in each scenario. Key terms such as breakdown voltage and knee voltage are defined, emphasizing their significance in the operation of pn junctions.

Uploaded by

deepmitra68
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lecture 03

Course Title:
Electronic Devices and Circuits
Course Code: CSE-215

•Md Atikul Islam


•Lecturer,
•Department of CSE,
•Daffodil International
University (DIU)
Current Flow in a Forward Biased pn Junction

The mechanism of current flow in a


forward biased pn junction can be
summed up as under :

 The free electrons from the


negative terminal continue to pour
into the n-region while the free
electrons in the n-region move
towards the junction.

 The electrons travel through the n-


region as free-electrons i.e. current
in n-region is by free electrons.
Current Flow in a Forward Biased pn Junction

The mechanism of current flow in a


forward biased pn junction can be
summed up as under :

 When these electrons reach the


junction, they combine with holes
and become valence electrons.

 The electrons travel through p-


region as valence electrons i.e.
current in the p-region is by holes.

 When these valence electrons


reach the left end of crystal, they
flow into the positive terminal of
the battery.
Volt-Ampere Characteristics of pn Junction

The characteristics can be studied


under three heads, namely:
 zero external voltage
 forward bias
 reverse bias

Zero external voltage: When the external


voltage is zero, i.e. circuit is open at K, the
potential barrier at the junction does not
permit current flow. Therefore, the circuit
current is zero as indicated by point O
Volt-Ampere Characteristics of pn Junction
Forward bias:

 With forward bias to the pn


junction i.e. p-type connected to
positive terminal and n-type
connected to negative terminal,
the potential barrier is reduced.

 The potential barrier is altogether


eliminated and current starts
flowing in the circuit. From now
onwards, the current increases
with the increase in forward
voltage.
Volt-Ampere Characteristics of pn Junction
Forward bias:
q There are two parts in forward bias

(1) Region OA: The current increases


very slowly and the curve is non-linear. It
is because the external applied voltage
is used up in overcoming the potential
barrier.

(2) Region AB: once the external


voltage exceeds the potential barrier
voltage, the pn junction behaves like an
ordinary conductor. Therefore, the
current rises very sharply with increase
in external voltage (region AB on
the curve). The curve is almost linear.
Volt-Ampere Characteristics of pn Junction
Reverse bias:
 With reverse bias to the pn junction
i.e. p-type connected to negative
terminal and n-type connected to
positive terminal, potential barrier at
the junction is increased.
 The junction resistance becomes very
high and practically no current flows
through the circuit. , in practice, a
very small current (of the order of µA)
flows in the circuit with reverse bias
as shown in the reverse characteristic.
This is called reverse *saturation
current (Is )
Volt-Ampere Characteristics of pn Junction
Reverse bias:
 If reverse voltage is increased
continuously, the kinetic energy
of electrons (minority carriers)
may become high enough to
knock out electrons from the
semiconductor atoms. At this
stage breakdown of the junction
occurs, characterised by a sudden
rise of reverse current and a
sudden fall of the resistance of
barrier region. This may destroy
the junction permanently
Important Terms

Breakdown voltage: It is the


minimum reverse voltage at which
pn junction breaks down with Knee
sudden rise in reverse current. voltage

Knee voltage: It is the forward


voltage at which the current through
the junction starts to increase
rapidly.

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